Ukiah on Ice had its long-anticipated opening on Saturday night, capping off an event-filled day in Ukiah to celebrate the holidays.
The ice rink was part of the larger Dec. 1 celebrations at Alex Thomas Plaza, featuring kids caroling the Parade of Lights and vendors selling mini doughnuts, popcorn, and other snacks.

Newbee skaters wobbled about trying to figure out the best way to stay upright, and some people stayed close to the edge or got plastic walkers to prevent themselves from falling. Helpers were also available to guide people around the rink and give advice on skating.

The city of Ukiah, Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, and the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce helped put together the ice-rink near the plaza.

For anybody that wants to learn how to skate, Ukiah on Ice will be open every day until its final day on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. People can also call the City of Ukiah Recreation Office at 463-6231 to schedule a field trip in the hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From now until Dec. 20, the ice rink will be open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with it open at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. It will be open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. From Dec. 21 to Jan. 6, it will be open from Sunday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve hours are 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. A parent must accompany all skaters under 12.

It costs $10 for a skate day session, while a skate pass that gives ten sessions costs $85. Field Trips cost $8 per student for a two-hour skate session. Private Party events are also available for groups for one to two hours.